The Colorado River flows southeast Texas, because almost by some of the most famous land of Texas history. One of the relatively few sources of fresh water in this region dry, the Colorado River was home to Native American tribes in Texas before. The early pioneers depended on the river for water and a transport route into the well, causing small cities to emerge in their banks. Comanches dominated the Colorado River area for decades, often using the Colorado River as a starting point for incursions into Mexico during the 1800s. In 1839, Austin was the name of the capital of the young Republic of Texas, in part due to its location on the Colorado River allows easy transportation and access to natural resources.

In its natural state had a Colorado River water level is extremely variable. In some areas, was little more than a stream, in others the destructive floods caused loss of lives and property. Buchanan Dam and the resulting reservoir was designed as an attempt to control water flow and produce electricity reliably. The original plan Buchanan Dam was developed in the 1850s, but due to financial constraints and financial setbacks, it was not actually completed until 1937. Inks Dam was completed in 1938, not far downstream, and soon these dams not only provided water, but hydro power near the Colorado River.

Eleven large dams and reservoirs along the Colorado River, provide water and electricity for Texans. Responsibility of these projects rests with the High River Colorado River Authority (UCRA) and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the non-profit organization created by the Legislature Texas in the 1930s to serve the water needs and the growing power of the state. The UCRA is best known as a lending institution for the local towns, providing funding for water reclamation projects and other interests of conservation and monitoring of environmental programs that relate to the Colorado River. LCRA is responsible for operations in Buchanan, Inks, Wirtz, Max Starcke, Mansfield and Tom Miller, dams and reservoirs, lakes known collectively as the Land High in Texas. In addition, LCRA manages several projects of state-owned utilities that provide water, electricity and other public services to central and southeastern Texas. More than a million residents of this area get most or all of their electricity from projects managed by the LCRA.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Austin experienced rapid population growth. This necessitated an increase in construction, and pollution that is threatened with harm the quality of Colorado River water. City and state officials took quick action, expand water treatment facilities and strict rules to defend the new Colorado against further contamination. Today, the Colorado River Trail program attracts visitors from around the country and around the world. Kayak & Travel Canoeing on the Colorado River are tailor-made for novice rowers, because of the slow flow of the river and the great variety of wildlife that can be seen along the river banks. The Highland Lakes are especially popular tourist attractions with over a million visitors each year. The Colorado River in Texas offers the very best of both worlds: water and electricity for the region, and a beautiful and unspoiled destination for tourists everywhere.

About the Author:

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Austin real estate blog can be found on the net.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Colorado River of Texas

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